Abstract The objective of the study was to identify the most suitable substrate and type of cutting to obtain seedlings from Baccharis vulneraria Baker cuttings. Apical and stem cuttings were collected from stock plants grown in a greenhouse. After collection, the cuttings were grown in the following substrates: commercial peat-based substrate (CPS); Vermiculite (VM); carbonized rice husk (CRH); Coconut fiber (CF); VM and CRH (1:1) (VM + CRH); VM and CF (1:1) (VM + CF); and CRH and CF (1:1) (CRH + CF) mixtures. The experiment used a completely randomized factorial design and, after 60 days, the percentage of survival and rooting (% SR), aerial part length (APL) and roots length (RSL), number of shoots (SN) and new leaves (LN), root volume (RSV), aerial part dry mass (APDM), and roots dry mass (RSDM) were evaluated. An interaction was found between the type of substrate and cutting for APL, RSL, LN, RSV, and RSM. On the other hand, %SR, SN and APDM differed only by cutting type. Apical cuttings showed higher APL, while internode cuttings showed higher SN, LN, RSV, and APDM. CPS promoted higher RSL in both types of cuttings, being a suitable option for the propagation of Baccharis vulneraria, particularly in internode cuttings.

Resumo O estudo objetivou identificar o substrato e o tipo de estaca adequados para a obtenção de mudas por estaquia de Baccharis vulneraria Baker. Foram coletadas estacas apicais e caulinares de plantas matrizes mantidas em casa de vegetação e cultivadas nos substratos: substrato comercial à base de turfa (CPS); Vermiculita (VM); casca de arroz carbonizada (CRH); Fibra de coco (CF); VM e CRH (1:1) (VM + CRH); VM e CF (1:1) (VM + CF); CRH e CF (1:1) (CRH + CF). O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial e, após 60 dias foi avaliado: percentual de sobrevivência e enraizamento (% SR), comprimento da parte aérea (APL) de raízes (RSL), número de brotos (SN) e de folhas novas (LN), volume de raiz (RSV), massa seca da parte aérea (APDM) e de raízes (RSDM). Houve interação entre o tipo de substrato e estaca para APL, RSL, LN, RSV e RSM. Já %SR, SN e APDM diferiram somente para o tipo de estaca. Estacas apicais apresentaram maior APL enquanto as de entrenó demonstraram maior SN, LN, RSV e APDM. CPS promoveu maior CSR nos dois tipos de estacas, sendo uma opção adequada para propagação de Baccharis vulneraria, principalmente em estacas de entrenó.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of disinfestation methods and different storage environments on the germination of seeds of Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze. Seeds were disinfested using ethanol followed by sodium hypochlorite; water under agitation; and no disinfestation from two origins. Longevity was tested by storing the seeds in a cold chamber, dry chamber, and at ambient laboratory temperature. Beginning of germination (BG), percentage (%G), and mean germination time (MGT) and mean germination speed index (MGSI) were evaluated. Data were submitted to an analysis of variance, comparison of mean values and a polynomial regression analysis (p<0.05). In the disinfestation, there was significant difference in %G and MGT only between origins. For longevity, IG and MGSI had a positive and negative linear behavior, respectively, while %G had a quadratic behavior. L. brasiliense seeds disinfestation does not affect germination. Dry chamber was the most suitable storage environment.

Resumo As plantas alimentícias não convencionais têm uma variedade de compostos bioativos com valor nutricional. O jaracatiá (Vasconcellea quercifolia) pertence à família Caricaceae e é uma alternativa dietética com uma excelente composição nutricional. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a composição nutricional da farinha de frutos verdes do jaracatiá (V. quercifolia), a fim de aplicá-la em um alimento funcional. Para isso, a farinha foi caracterizada em relação a macro e micronutrientes, fatores antinutricionais, pH, atividade da água e cor. Esta farinha apresentou teores de carboidratos de 22,31%; proteínas de 9,65%; fibra alimentar dietética de 32,80%; lipídios de 14,95%, dos quais 63,56% são ácidos graxos insaturados, especialmente ácido oleico; e cinzas de 9,10%, com maiores concentrações para potássio, cálcio e magnésio. Portanto, a farinha de V. quercifolia tem características nutritivas e pode ser utilizada como suplemento alimentar.

Abstract Non-conventional food plants have a variety of bioactive compounds with nutritional value. Vasconcellea quercifolia A. St.-Hil., belonging to the Caricaceae family, is a dietary alternative with excellent nutritional composition. This study aimed at characterizing the nutritional composition of mountain papaya (V. quercifolia) green fruit flour, in order to incorporate it in a functional food. For that purpose, the flour was characterized regarding its macro and micronutrients, anti-nutritional factors, pH, water activity, and color. This flour showed contents of carbohydrate of 22.31%; protein of 9.65%; dietary fiber of 32.80%; lipids of 14.95%, 63.56% of which are unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid; and ash of 9.10%, with higher concentrations for potassium, calcium and magnesium. Therefore, V. quercifolia flour had good nutritional characteristics and might be used as supplementary food.

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a formulação mais adequada de um substrato baseado em proporções de húmus de minhoca e solo para melhorar a qualidade de morango orgânico. Para isso, foi gerado o húmus através da vermicompostagem e feito o plantio de mudas de morangueiros em diferentes proporções de húmus:solo (0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40; 80:20 e 100:0, respectivamente). As condições de proporções foram caracterizadas, feito o plantio e após 60 dias de cultivo, as plantas foram colhidas, e feitas as caracterizações químicas do solo e das plantas. Como resultados, pode-se verificar que, com o aumento do teor de húmus no substrato, houve aumento nos valores de N, P, K, pH e matéria orgânica no solo e massa seca e fresca na parte aérea das plantas. Em relação aos frutos, pH, umidade e concentração de sódio não alteraram em nenhuma condição e o teor de cinzas foi menor quando houve aumento de húmus no solo. Para os parâmetros de maiores valores de potássio e de proteína ocorreram a partir de 40:60 e 60:40, respectivamente. Já para a produção média de morangos teve valores maiores a partir da condição 60:40. Açúcares redutores e acidez titulável aumentaram e estabilizaram nas condições de 20:80 e 60:40, respectivamente. Dessa forma, para evitar excesso de nutrientes contidos no substrato, que pode prejudicar o crescimento das plantas, indica-se a condição de 60:40 de húmus:solo para maiores valores de produção, nutrientes e proteína no cultivo de morangos.

ABSTRACT This study aims to verify the most suitable substrate formulation based on proportions of earthworm humus and soil to improve the quality of organic strawberries. Vermicomposting generated humus and strawberry seedlings were planted in different humus:soil ratios: (0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40; 80:20 and 100:0, respectively). The proportional conditions were characterized after planting and after 60-day cultivation, plants were harvested, and chemical characterizations of the soil and plants were made. We verified that with an increase of humus content in the substrate, an increase in values of N, P, K, pH and organic matter in soil and dry and fresh mass in shoot area of the plants were noticed. In relation to fruits, pH, humidity and sodium concentration, the authors noticed no change under any conditions and ash content was lower when an increase of humus in soil was observed. Higher values of potassium and protein occurred from 40:60 and 60:40, respectively. Higher values for average strawberry production were verified from 60:40 condition. Reducing sugars and titratable acidity increased and stabilized at 20:80 and 60:40, respectively. Thus, in order to avoid excess of nutrients in the substrate, which can hinder plant growth, humus condition in the ratio 60:40 humus:soil is recommended for higher values of production, nutrients and protein in strawberry cultivation.

RESUMO: A estimulação da germinação das sementes pode ser devida à aceleração da germinação, bem como à melhoria do crescimento das mudas durante o desenvolvimento inicial. O hidrolisado de plantas pode ser aplicado como estimulante. Assim, objetivou-se verificar a influência dos hidrolisados, obtidos por tratamento alcalino ou ácido, dos resíduos da cultura do tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) (raiz e caule) no processo de germinação das sementes. A germinação das sementes foi estudada com Oryza sativa (arroz) e Zea mays (milho). Foram realizados dezesseis experimentos de germinação de 50 sementes cada, com 4 repetições, hidratadas em hidrolisados diluídos a 20 e 80%, em 2 e 3 mL de volumes de hidratação por 48 h. As sementes germinadas foram contadas, momento em que foram observadas protrusões radiculares. Radículas e partes aéreas foram coletadas, secas e pesadas. Os hidrolisados apresentaram potencial nutricional de plântulas para o milho, com ~ 50% a mais de massa quando comparados aos resultados com água nas mesmas condições, e a aceleração da germinação não foi significativa. Para as sementes de arroz testadas, os resultados foram contrários e a aceleração da germinação foi significativa com taxas de até 94% após 48 h de incubação. Melhores resultados de germinação foram obtidos com hidrolisado a partir do tratamento ácido, e a raiz ou caule de tabaco pode ser utilizado para esse fim.

ABSTRACT: Stimulation of seed germination may be due to acceleration of germination as well as due to seedling growth-promotion during early development. Plant hydrolysate can be applied as a stimulant. Thus, we aimed to verify the influence of the hydrolysates, obtained by alkaline or acid treatment, from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) crop residues (root and stem) on the seed germination process. Seed germination was studied with Oryza sativa (rice) and Zea mays (corn). Sixteen germination experiments of 50 seeds each were undertaken, with 4 replicates, soaked with hydrolysates diluted at 20 and 80%, in 2 and 3 mL of hydration volumes for 48 h. Germinated seeds were counted, at which point radicular protrusions were observed. Rootlets and aerial parts were collected, dried and weighed. The hydrolysates presented seedling nutrition potential to the corn, with ~50% more mass compared to the results with water at the same conditions, and the germination acceleration was not significant. For the tested rice seeds, the results were reversed, and the germination acceleration was significant with rates up to 94% after 48 h of incubation. Better results of germination were obtained with hydrolysate from acid treatment, and root or stem tobacco can be used for this purpose.

Abstract Cantilever nanobiosensors have emerged as an alternative to conventional methods of analysis to monitor heavy metals, which are being highlighted by detecting substances at the micro and nanoscale through the use of sensor layers. In the present study, a new cantilever nanobiosensor was developed functionalized with urease enzyme by self-assembled monolayers for the detection of heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, zinc, cobalt, and aluminum) in water. From the calibration curves, using the statistical method of Principal Component Analysis, it was possible to observe that the nanobiosensor was highly efficient in heavy metal discrimination. The nanobiosensor presented high sensitivity, good stability, and a detection limit in the ppb range during 30 days of storage. The surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy confirmed the cantilever functionalization and the sensing layer deposition. The cantilever nanobiosensor designs based on tensile surface stress measured by changes in voltage suggest the proposed mechanism of the adsorption of heavy metal by the urease enzyme. Thus, the cantilever nanobiosensor with urease enzyme was able to detect heavy metals in water and could be a promising tool for heavy metal detection.

Abstract Vasconcellea quercifolia A.St-Hil. (Caricaceae) is a non-conventional food plant (PANC) of Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical, chemical, and nutritional properties of green and ripe fruits and medullary parenchyma of V. quercifolia A.St-Hil., in order to develop functional foods. We determined humidity, pH, ash content, protein content, carbohydrate content, fibre content, carotenoid content, ascorbic acid content, and aminograms of green and ripe fruits and of medullary parenchyma from three specimens, following existing methodologies. Green fruits had higher protein and fibre contents, and ripe fruits had higher ash, carbohydrate, and carotenoid contents, higher than other most consumed fruits. On the other hand, medullary parenchyma had higher ash content and humidity. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and lysine were the amino acids with the highest contents, mainly in green fruits. Aside from medullary parenchyma, used as food in the past, both green and ripe fruits can be used for the development of new food products with functional properties and potential for new alternatives for consumption.

In South American folk medicine members of the genus Myrciaria are used for the treatment of malaria, diarrhoea, asthma, inflammation and post-partum uterine cleansing. The aim of this work was to evaluate its antileishmanial properties (in vitro) of essential oil derived from leaves of Myrciaria plinioides D. Legrand, a plant species that is native in South of Brazil. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation using fresh leaves of M. plinioides. The chemical composition of this essential oil (MPEO, M. plinioides essential oil) was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MPEO was assayed in vitro for antileishmanial properties against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum, and for cytotoxicity against murine peritoneal macrophages. The MPEO comprised 66 components and was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (82.66%) containing spathulenol (21.12%) as its major constituent. The MPEO was effective against L. amazonensis with IC50 value of 14.16 ± 7.40 µg/mL, while against L. infantum the IC50 value was higher with 101.50 ± 5.78 µg/mL. The MPEO showed significant activity against L. amazonensis, and presented a selectivity index (SI) of 6.60. The results suggest that the essential oil from leaves of M. plinioides is a promising source for new antileishmanial agents against L. amazonensis.

Resumo Algumas espécies exóticas vêm ameaçando a integridade dos ecossistemas naturais pelo seu potencial invasor. Elas podem ser favorecidas pelo lançamento de compostos secundários no solo. Morus nigra (Moraceae) é uma espécie invasora de florestas ribeirinhas no sul do Brasil. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se o extrato aquoso dos frutos e folhas frescas e secas apresentam efeitos fitotóxicos sobre a germinação, o crescimento e a integridade de membranas de plântulas de Lactuca sativa. Foram testadas as concentrações 0,1; 0,25; 0,5; 0,75; 1; 2,5; 5; 7,5 e 10%. A taxa e o índice de velocidade de germinação foram definidos. O crescimento inicial foi obtido com as medidas do comprimento de raiz e parte aérea. A integridade das membranas foi estimada através de medidas de condutividade. Os resultados evidenciaram os efeitos fitotóxicos dos extratos aquosos, causando a inibição significativa da germinação e no crescimento inicial das plântulas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos dos extratos das folhas frescas e secas foram superiores ao do fruto. Além disso, os extratos causaram alterações na estrutura das membranas e deformações morfológicas nas plântulas, como radículas necrosadas e plantas acloríticas. A alta fitotoxidez dos extratos M. nigra foi evidenciada, indicando o seu potencial alelopático.

Abstract Some exotic species threat the integrity of natural environments due to their invasive potential. They can affect other species by releasing secondary compounds in the soil. Morus nigra (Moraceae) is an invasive species of riparian forests in southern Brazil. The objective of this study was to verify if the aqueous extracts of fruit, fresh and dry leaves of M. nigra show phytotoxic effects on germination, seedling growth and membrane integrity of seedlings of Lactuca sativa. Extract concentrations of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% were tested. Germination rate and speed of germination were determined. Effects on initial growth were evaluated by measuring seedling root and shoot length, and membrane integrity was assessed by conductivity tests. Results showed the phytotoxicity of M. nigra aqueous extracts, causing significant inhibition on germination and seedling growth. The fruit extract was generally less phytotoxic than extracts from fresh and dry leaves. Moreover, the extracts induced changes in membrane integrity and caused morphological deformities in seedlings, such as necrotic roots and chlorotic plants. The high phytotoxicity of fruit, dry and fresh leaf extracts of M. nigra was evidenced, indicating the allelopathic potential of the species.

ABSTRACT A new modified electrode for indirect sensing of OH· and radical scavengers was described. The electrochemical polymerization of methylene blue in aqueous solutions and the properties of the resulting films on a glassy carbon electrode were carried out using cyclic voltammetry. A surface coverage of 1.11 × 109mol cm2 was obtained, revealing a complete surface coverage of the polymeric film on the electrode surface. OH· was able to destroy the poly(methylene blue) film by exposure to a Fenton solution. The loss of the electrochemical signal of the residual polymeric film attached to the electrode surface was related to the extent of its dissolution. The applicability of the sensor was demonstrated by evaluating the OH radical scavenging effect on different concentrations of ascorbic acid. The obtained radical scavenging capacity were 31.4%, 55.7%, 98.9% and 65.7% for the ascorbic acid concentrations of 5, 10, 30 and 50 mM, respectively.

Abstract Despite recent advances in food production technology, food-borne diseases (FBD) remain a challenging public health concern. In several countries, including Brazil, Clostridium perfringens is among the five main causative agents of food-borne diseases. The present study determines antimicrobial activities of essential oils of six condiments commonly used in Brazil, viz., Ocimum basilicum L. (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), Origanum majorana L. (marjoram), Mentha × piperita L. var. Piperita (peppermint), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) and Pimpinella anisum L. (anise) against C. perfringens strain A. Chemical compositions of the oils were determined by GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). The identities of the isolated compounds were established from the respective Kováts indices, and a comparison of mass spectral data was made with those reported earlier. The antibacterial activity was assessed from minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were 1.25 mg mL-1 for thyme, 5.0 mg mL-1 for basil and marjoram, and 10 mg mL-1 for rosemary, peppermint and anise. All oils showed bactericidal activity at their minimum inhibitory concentration, except anise oil, which was only bacteriostatic. The use of essential oils from these common spices might serve as an alternative to the use of chemical preservatives in the control and inactivation of pathogens in commercially produced food systems.

RESUMO: O Rio Grande do Sul é o maior produtor nacional de arroz irrigado por alagamento do Brasil e algumas lavouras cultivam o arroz irrigado há mais de 100 anos. Nos cultivos, são utilizados insumos agrícolas, muitos dos quais apresentam metais pesados em sua composição. Essa preocupação leva em consideração principalmente os elementos não essenciais às plantas, como o Pb, Cr e Cd, e que oferecem risco à saúde humana. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo quantificar os teores de Cd, de Cr e de Pb no arroz vendido nos estabelecimentos comerciais do RS. As extrações dos elementos das amostras foram feitas pelo método USEPA 3050B. Para as quantificações dos metais, foi utilizada a Espectrometria de Emissão Óptica por Plasma Acoplado Indutivamente (ICP-OES). Os elementos quantificados nas amostras de grãos vendidos em estabelecimentos comerciais apresentaram-se dentro dos limites permitidos pela legislação.

ABSTRACT: The state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) is the largest producer of flood-irrigated rice in Brazil and some fields flooded rice are cultivated for more than 100 years. In rice production are being utilized various inputs, many of which have heavy metals in its composition. This preoccupation considers especially nonessential elements to plants such as Pb, Cr and Cd, which provide risks to human health. This study aimed to quantify the levels of Cd, Cr and Pb in rice grains sold in markets retailers in RS. The elements were extracted from the samples through the USEPA 3050B method and quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The elements quantified in samples of grains rice sold in markets retailers were within the limits allowed by law.

Um sistema de combustão iniciada por microondas foi acoplado a um espectrômetro de absorção atômica com atomização em tubo metálico aquecido com chama (FF) do tipo ar-acetileno para a determinação de cádmio em sangue. Amostras de sangue liofilizado foram preparadas como comprimidos, posicionadas em um suporte de quartzo e introduzidas em uma câmara de vidro empregada para a etapa de combustão. A câmara foi acoplada ao tubo metálico usando tubos de politetrafluoroetileno e de quartzo. A ignição foi iniciada por irradiação microondas usando solução de nitrato de amônio adicionada em papel previamente descontaminado. Oxigênio foi usado na etapa de combustão e para o transporte dos produtos gerados até o tubo aquecido. Grafite em pó de alta pureza foi misturada com as amostras antes do preparo dos comprimidos. O volume da solução de NH4NO3, a vazão de oxigênio, a estequiometria da chama, o tipo de suporte e a quantidade de massa de amostra foram avaliados. A calibração foi possível usando solução de referência adicionada a comprimidos de grafite de alta pureza, não sendo necessário o uso de material de referência certificado (CRM). Foi possível a combustão de até 56 µg de amostra, permitindo a obtenção de limite de quantificação de 0,018 µg g-1 e massa característica de 50 pg de Cd. Os valores dos brancos foram baixos (absorbância integrada menor que 0,01 s). Os resultados foram considerados satisfatórios com respeito à exatidão (concordância com valores de CRMs entre 95 e 99%) e à precisão (coeficiente de variação < 12%). Até 15 determinações podem ser feitas por hora incluindo a etapa de pesagem.

Microwave-induced combustion system was coupled to a metallic flame furnace (FF) atomic absorption spectrometer and applied for cadmium determination in blood. Lyophilized blood samples were prepared as pellets, positioned on a quartz holder and introduced into a glass chamber used for the combustion step. The glass chamber was coupled to the metallic flame furnace by using polytetrafluoroethylene and quartz tubes. Ignition was performed by microwave radiation using ammonium nitrate solution added to a small piece of previously cleaned paper. Oxygen was used to assist the sample combustion and also to transport combustion products up to the FF heated by an air/acetylene flame. High purity graphite powder was mixed with samples before pellets preparation. The volume of NH4NO3 solution, oxygen flow-rate, flame stoichiometry, sample holder type and the sample mass range were evaluated. Calibration step was feasible using adsorbed reference solution in pelletized high purity graphite avoiding the use of certified reference material (CRM). Sample masses up to 56 µg could be used allowing quantification limit of 0.018 µg g-1 and characteristic mass of 50 pg Cd. Low values for blanks were obtained (integrated absorbance lower than 0.01 s) and results were considered satisfactory regarding to both accuracy (agreement with results using CRMs between 95 to 99%), and precision (relative standard deviation < 12%). Up to 15 determinations can be performed per hour including the weighing step.